How should I prepare to work with a family lawyer?

Ready to meet with a family lawyer? Before you show up to your meeting, take some time to prepare for questions the lawyer will likely ask you, make a list of questions you have for the lawyer, and compile some key documents. Let’s explore each of these preparations a little more:

Prepare to Answer Intrusive Questions

You might not like talking about the messy issues pertaining to a divorce, child custody case, or other family law matter, but your lawyer needs to know the ins and outs of your case. Go in with a general expectation to talk about sensitive issues. Depending on your case, you might face questions about:

Why you are getting divorced.

Your finances.

Your relationship with your children.

Prepare a List of Questions for the Lawyer

You probably have a lot of questions and uncertainties swimming around in your head. Write them down. Put them on paper so you don’t forget to ask any of them. During your meeting, don’t be afraid to ask questions and check them off your list as you go.

Prepare Important Documents

Here’s one question you can ask the lawyer even before your meeting: What should I bring?

While the specific documents your lawyer might request will vary depending on the type of case you are pursuing, here is a list of some common types of documents your lawyer may request:

Your Assets: Include your home, vehicles, personal property, collectibles, stocks and bonds, businesses, and bank accounts. Make note of who owns the assets. That is, did you acquire the asset before marriage? Did your spouse acquire it before marriage? Or was it acquired during your marriage?

Your Debts: Include your mortgage, car loans, credit card debt, student loans, and medical bills. You should also note whose name the debts are in and when either party acquired the debts.

Prenuptial Agreement: If you spouse signed a prenuptial agreement, bring it to your meeting. Your lawyer will need to review the terms.

Proof of Income: You can document your income with copies of pay stubs or even last year’s tax return.

Taxes: Speaking of taxes, collect copies of your tax returns from the past few years. This can shed light on your finances.

Last Will & Testament: Not only may you need to update your will, but it can provide valuable information about your assets.

Phone Records & Journals: If you keep a journal that discusses matters related to your family law case, bring it. Or if you have records of things like who picked up the kids from school or who accompanied them to extracurricular activities, bring that too.

Expenses: Bring records indicating how much you spend on rent, utilities, groceries, and childcare. This could include bank statements, invoices, etc.

Other Financial Paperwork: Collect copies of any other financial paperwork in your possession. Common examples include retirement or pension plans and insurance policies.

At David J. Crouse & Associates, PLLC, we understand how difficult family law is for families. We will answer all your questions, help you gather documents, file the necessary paperwork, and represent your interests throughout the case.

To set up a consultation with a lawyer, contact David J. Crouse & Associates, PLLC today at 509-624-1380.

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I hired Mr. Crouse to handle my divorce. His staff was very friendly and made me feel welcome. Mr. Crouse did a great job at my hearings and was really well prepared. I got a really good result and feel really well represented. Highly recommend.